DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 

Docket No: 3552-19 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear : 

This is in reference to your application of 22 March 2019 for correction of your naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied.
 
Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 12 May 2020.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  Your allegations of error and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this Board.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of your application, relevant portions of your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active service on 9 March 1984. On 10 January 1985, you received non-judicial punishment (NJP) for unauthorized absence (UA) totaling 45 days.  On 14 April 1985, civil authorities convicted you of disorderly conduct.  On 16 April 1985, you received NJP for being absent from your unit.  You were also in a UA status from 18 November 1985 to 2 January 1986 totaling 43 days.  Subsequently, you were notified of an administrative action to separate you from the naval service for misconduct due to frequent involvement with military or civil authorities and pattern of misconduct.  After you waived your rights, your Commanding Officer (CO) recommended discharge with an under other than honorable (OTH) characterization of service for misconduct due to frequent involvement with military or civil authorities and pattern of misconduct.  The discharge authority approved this recommendation and directed separation with an OTH characterization of service for misconduct.  On 1 February 1986, you were so discharged.
 
The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your desire to upgrade your discharge and contentions that your misconduct was due to a bad marriage, you have been a model citizen, lived an exemplary life, and worked at  for 23 years. However, the Board concluded that there was no probable material error or injustice in your discharge. 

Regarding your contention that your misconduct was due to a bad marriage, the Board noted that there is no evidence in your record, and you submitted none, to support your contention.  Regarding your contentions that you have been a model citizen, lived an exemplary life, and worked at  for 23 years, the Board noted while commendable, your post service conduct does not fully mitigate your conduct while enlisted in the Navy or the basis for your discharge. 

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken.  You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon the submission of new matters, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149.  New matters are those not previously presented to or considered by the Board.  In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity attaches to all official records.  Consequently, when applying for a correction of an official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice. 

Sincerely,